Family Adventure in Skaftafell, Iceland

Frozen Fairytales: Glaciers and Icebergs Galore

Today was nothing short of magical, a day where the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland truly took our breath away. Forget the brewery for a day, this was about witnessing nature's artistry at its finest. We explored the glacial lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, each offering a unique perspective on Iceland's icy giants. Sophie was absolutely mesmerized, and honestly, so were Lena and I. It’s days like these that remind me why we travel – to see the world’s wonders and share those experiences with the people I love most.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Vatnajökull. This cozy spot was the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead. I had a sandwich, while Lena enjoyed a traditional pastry, and Sophie devoured a jam-covered roll. It’s a charming little place, the kind where you feel instantly at home, plus they have some local art on display. I even spotted a few potential gifts in their shop, maybe a hand-knitted Icelandic sweater for my mom? They also sell hiking maps, which might be useful for future adventures.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off for Jökulsárlón, the famous glacier lagoon. The drive itself was stunning, with vast landscapes stretching out before us. As we approached the lagoon, the sight that greeted us was simply breathtaking. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes floated serenely on the water, their surfaces shimmering in the soft morning light. The colors ranged from the purest white to deep blues and even streaks of black, a testament to the volcanic ash trapped within the ice. Sophie was wide-eyed, pointing at each new iceberg she spotted, convinced they were giant ice cream scoops. The temperature was cool, around 6°C, and there was a chance of rain, but we were prepared with our warm clothes. I was kicking myself for forgetting my raincoat, but Lena had packed an extra for Sophie, so at least our little one was covered.


Discover the stunning beauty of Jökulsárlón, Iceland's breathtaking glacier lagoon, where blue icebergs and tranquil waters create a magical landscape.
We spent a good couple of hours wandering along the shore, taking photos and simply soaking in the atmosphere. The sound of the icebergs gently grinding against each other was strangely soothing, a reminder of the powerful forces at play in this landscape. We even spotted a few seals lounging on the ice, their sleek bodies glistening in the sun. Sophie was ecstatic, shouting, Look, Papa, doggies!. I had to explain that they weren't doggies, but seals, which only slightly dampened her enthusiasm.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

After Jökulsárlón, we decided to try something a little different and headed to Fjallsárlón for an Iceberg Boat Tour. Several sources suggested that Fjallsárlón offers a more intimate experience than its more famous neighbor, and they were spot on. The lagoon is smaller, and the boat tours take you closer to the glacier itself. This was definitely the highlight of the day. We bundled up in the provided waterproof gear and climbed aboard a small Zodiac boat. Our guide was fantastic, sharing fascinating facts about the glacier and the surrounding area. He expertly navigated the boat through the maze of icebergs, bringing us within touching distance of these ancient giants. The tour was around 45 minutes, easy and safe for the family.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of glaciers and icebergs at Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours, a must-visit destination in Iceland.
Being so close to the glacier was an awe-inspiring experience. We could see the layers of ice, each one representing centuries of accumulated snowfall. The guide explained how the glacier is constantly moving, carving its way through the landscape. Every now and then, we would hear a loud crack as a piece of ice calved off the glacier and crashed into the water. It was a powerful reminder of nature's immense power. Sophie, initially a bit apprehensive, soon warmed up to the experience, especially when the guide let her hold a chunk of glacial ice. She examined it with intense curiosity, turning it over and over in her hands, before declaring it the coolest ice cube ever.

After our exhilarating boat tour, hunger pangs started to kick in. We decided to have lunch at Hvönn Restaurant. The reviews were good, mentioning nicely cooked soup, braised fish, and lamb. Lena and I were both keen to try some traditional Icelandic cuisine, and Sophie is usually happy as long as there are fries involved. Turns out Hvönn Restaurant is actually located in Skálholt, which was a bit of a drive. So we decided to try Hvönn another day. Instead, we opted for a more convenient option: Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Hvönn Restaurant in Skálholt – where local flavors meet contemporary dining.
I know, I know, a gas station restaurant doesn't exactly scream culinary delight, but we were pleasantly surprised. It was Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas that saved the day ! It was basic, but clean and the food was surprisingly good. I had a lamb burger that hit the spot, Lena enjoyed a hearty soup, and Sophie was thrilled with her fries and a chocolate bar from the shop. Plus, it was quick and easy, which was exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring. I even picked up a few Icelandic souvenirs from the shop – some chocolate for my colleagues back in Heidelberg, and a small stuffed puffin for Sophie.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell – where delicious flavors meet stunning landscapes.
Before heading back to our cozy rental cabin, we made a quick stop at Shopicelandic. Although the main shop is in Reykjavik, I had read they sometimes have pop-up stalls in the area. Sadly, no luck today, but I made a mental note to visit their Reykjavik location if we have time at the end of our trip. I am on the hunt for a good hiking map of the region and maybe a couple of those quirky Icelandic souvenirs.


Explore Shopicelandic in Reykjavík for unique Icelandic souvenirs, showcasing local craftsmanship and cultural heritage in an inviting atmosphere.
As we drove back, with Sophie fast asleep in the back seat, Lena and I reflected on the day. It was a day of contrasts – the stark beauty of the glaciers, the thrill of the boat tour, and the simple pleasure of a meal at a gas station restaurant. But it was also a day of connection, a day where we shared incredible experiences as a family. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore Svartifoss and Systrafoss waterfalls [If tomorrow is the last day of the trip, merge in “Trip end”]. I’ve heard that the hike to Svartifoss is particularly beautiful, with the waterfall framed by basalt columns. I am slightly concerned about the weather forecast, which predicts rain, but we will pack our raincoats (yes, I will buy one tonight!) and make the most of it. After all, a little rain never hurt anyone, right? Especially when there is so much beauty to discover.

And who knows, maybe we will even find a cozy little bar like Systrakaffi to warm up with a local beer after our hike. Until then, goodnight from Skaftafell!

I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, and perhaps a chance to sample some local brews – after all, a brewery technician can't stay away from good beer for too long! It’s all about balance, right? A day of glaciers, a day of waterfalls, and a day of… well, you'll have to wait and see!

As I sit here, sipping a cup of tea and editing photos from the day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to travel, for the beauty of Iceland, and for the love of my family. It’s moments like these that make all the challenges of travel worthwhile. And as I look at the photos of Sophie’s beaming face, I know that these are memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.